Chennai Super Kings (CSK) tasted their first defeat in the IPL 2025 season as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) registered a comprehensive win. CSK, in pursuit of a target of 197 runs, could only muster 146/8. MS Dhoni, who came to the crease for the ninth wicket, scored an attacking knock, making 30* off 16 balls, with three fours and two sixes. Dhoni had batted at number 8 in the previous season, and he did the same in the first match of the current season. But against RCB, he batted even lower. Though CSK's loss was a foregone conclusion by then, most former players and fans opine that Dhoni should have batted higher up in the order.
CSK's Batting Order Criticized
Bangalore fought at one point, losing six wickets for 80 runs in 13 overs as a result of CSK's bowling unit. Ravindra Jadeja was at the crease by then, and most people expected Dhoni to come out to bat with him. But much to everyone's surprise, R. Ashwin was asked to bat first. Dhoni did join him eventually after Jadeja was out on 25 runs. He went straight into boundary-hitting mode, scoring two sixes off the last over against Krunal Pandya.
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa expressed his views on social media, that if Dhoni played with the same attacking approach at an earlier stage, CSK might have won. Likewise, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan faulted the decision-making of the team, while the fans too raised questions over CSK's strategy.
Experts Respond to Dhoni's Late Entry
Robin Uthappa: "This is a big win for RCB. Winning at Chepauk will give them confidence. Dhoni coming in to bat at number 9 didn't look proper. If he had come in earlier, CSK might have won or even bettered their net run rate."
Irfan Pathan: "Dhoni batting at number 9 is not the right call. The team's approach does not favor CSK."
With this defeat, CSK will have to reassess their batting strategy going forward in the tournament. Fans and experts will closely watch whether the team introduces changes in the coming games.
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